Brazilian recipe
Homemade Meat Croquettes: A Classic Recipe (Bolinho de carne)
Whip up juicy, golden-brown meat croquettes that are perfect for snacking. This simple, traditional recipe uses authentic Brazilian seasonings for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
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Ingredients
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 egg
Oil for deep-frying
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (as needed for binding)
500 g ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped or grated
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tomato, peeled and diced (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, to taste
1 egg
Oil for deep-frying
Salt to taste
2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (as needed for binding)
500 g ground beef
1/2 onion, finely chopped or grated
Black pepper to taste
1/2 tomato, peeled and diced (optional)
Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped, to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find these fresh ingredients at your local community market or neighborhood grocery store. Look for ground beef at the butcher counter, and ensure you use fresh herbs from the produce section for the best result.
Preparation method
- Place the ground beef in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the onion, garlic, tomato (if using), cilantro or parsley, salt, and black pepper to the meat.
- Mix all the seasonings into the meat thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the egg and 2 tablespoons of flour to the mixture.
- Continue mixing until you have a dough that can be shaped.
- If the mixture feels too moist or difficult to shape, gradually add more flour until it holds its form and does not stick to your hands.
- Shape into small balls or slightly flattened patties, keeping them uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of the mixture into it.
- If the piece rises to the surface and bubbles gently, the oil is at the ideal temperature.
- Deep-fry the croquettes over medium heat until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure a crisp texture.
- Remove the finished croquettes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.
Observations
Meat croquettes—or bolinho de carne—are a beloved snack in Brazil, essential for any barbecue, casual gathering, or simply as a savory bite at home.
This recipe relies on quality ground beef, seasoned with fresh staples like onion, garlic, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, which gives the dish its signature, vibrant flavor profile.
Preparation is straightforward, yielding croquettes that are tender on the inside with a satisfying, crispy exterior once deep-fried. They make the perfect finger food to enjoy alongside a cold drink.
With clear instructions and standard pantry ingredients, you can easily master these flavorful bites in your own kitchen.
This recipe relies on quality ground beef, seasoned with fresh staples like onion, garlic, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, which gives the dish its signature, vibrant flavor profile.
Preparation is straightforward, yielding croquettes that are tender on the inside with a satisfying, crispy exterior once deep-fried. They make the perfect finger food to enjoy alongside a cold drink.
With clear instructions and standard pantry ingredients, you can easily master these flavorful bites in your own kitchen.
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